Van der Vaart, Former Spurs, and Real Madrid midfielder has questioned Lionel of Messi’ commitment to PSG but praised Ronaldo’s impact at United
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Tottenham Hotspurs and Real Madrid midfielder, Rafael van der Vaart, has queried Lionel Messi’s commitment to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
He made this known while comparing his performance with that of Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo after this week’s Champions League matches.
Van der Vaart also questioned Messi’s desire and passion for the game by juxtaposing his form to that of his long-term rival, Ronaldo.
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The Dutchman while comparing the two superstars concluded that while Ronaldo is trying to take Manchester United to the next level, Messi in contrast is dragging PSG backward.
Messi has scored just four goals in 10 appearances for PSG in all competitions so far this season, while Ronaldo has scored 10 goals in 14 appearances for Manchester United
The 34-year-old had an underwhelming game in PSG’s defeat at the Etihad, while Ronaldo inspired Manchester United to a 2-0 away win against Villarreal to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
“It makes me sad. It’s a question of desire. Does he want it or not? When you compare him to Cristiano Ronaldo, one is fighting to take his team to the next level – and one isn’t,” Van der Vaart was quoted by Sportskeeda as saying.
He also noted that the Argentine now plays the game at his own pace, and not one that suits the club.
He added that the trend is not a new development, as it started while he was still in Barcelona.
“Messi walks now and then. I look at him and think, ‘Aren’t you ashamed?’ I’m just getting annoyed with Messi. It already started a bit with Ronald Koeman [at Barcelona].
“It was actually a refusal to work, that is not normal for such a player. And that’s a shame, because a player like this will never be born again.” Van der Vaart said.
